The Art of Pepper - Complete Master Takes of Omega Sessions

Shortly after Art Pepper was released from prison after serving a year for heroin possession, he made a series of brilliant recordings. Oddly enough, the music reissued on this CD, The Complete Omega Sessions Master Takes, was originally released on reel-to-reel tapes for the Omegatape label and was not widely available. It deserved better and fortunately, it has been reissued a couple times since the original recording was made, in a more cleaned-up and accessible form. This reissue of Master Takes augments the original dozen songs with the previously unreleased “Blues Rock” and “Rock Blues,” both of which are lightweight honking jams that were recorded with hopes of taking advantage of the then-new rock & roll craze. In addition, highlights include “Too Close for Comfort,” “Webb City,” “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” and “I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me.” Pepper, pianist Carl Perkins, and the quiet rhythm section are in top form throughout this high quality bop set. – Scott Yanow